Bon Scott mural

Tucked in the laneway alongside the Federal Hotel in central Fremantle is a large tribute mural of Bon Scott — the AC/DC frontman who grew up in this town and remains its most famous musical export. Painted by street artist ArtByDestroy, the mural depicts Scott in his full rock god glory, and has become a gathering point for fans making pilgrimages to the places that shaped the man who sang 'Highway to Hell' and 'Whole Lotta Rosie'.

Fremantle has a strong claim on Bon Scott's identity. His family moved here from Scotland in 1956 when he was nine years old, and the port city's working-class energy, its proximity to the coast, and its culture of hard living and harder drinking became part of who he was. He attended John Curtin College of the Arts, played in various local bands, and remained connected to Fremantle throughout his life and career.

The Federal Hotel laneway mural is one of several Bon Scott landmarks clustered in Fremantle — the famous bronze statue at Fishing Boat Harbour, his grave at Fremantle Cemetery, and the streets he walked are all within easy reach. The mural itself is accessible any time, and the Federal Hotel next door is a good place to raise a glass to the man it honours.